Project Description

Known as a popular coastal resort destination, Mar del Plata is projected to continue growing at a rapid pace over the coming decades. Based on current trends, the city is expected to grow along major corridors leading away from the urban core. The lower density and higher land needs in this scenario could have serious implications on municipal finances. In order to better plan for the changes and prepare for the capital costs associated with this expansion, two alternative scenarios were developed, which depict how policy and planning decisions may shape future residential development of the city. At the same time, an innovative spatial approach to infrastructure cost modeling was used in order to determine the public sector infrastructure cost associated with each development scenario. The results of the analysis provided clients with evidence to support the merits of a proactive planning approach that can drastically reduce the footprint of future growth and its associated infrastructure expenditures.

The necessity to create long-lasting objectives addressing inequality is emphasized throughout the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, known as Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This implies that income growth is not the only important measure for this goal. The roles of infrastructure, wage, social protection policies, and opportunities are noted as key contributors to this goal of increased equality. By measuring and quantifying inequality in GeoAdaptive, we understand how well programs or policies promote social justice and how these strategies might be supported by accessibility to infrastructure to reduce inequality and improve social development.